- KFC potato wedges return nationwide in the U.S. on Aug. 18 after a five-year absence.
- KFC hot and spicy wings also rejoin the menu after nearly two years.
- Both items are limited-time offers; prices and participation vary by location.
- The move follows strong consumer demand, including petitions and sellouts in test markets.
A Consumer-Led Reversal
KFC is restoring two menu items long requested by fans. KFC potato wedges, dropped in 2020 during a menu simplification, return nationwide Aug. 18 alongside KFC hot and spicy wings, last offered in 2023.
The change follows a two-week test in Tampa, Fla., earlier this year that sold out ahead of schedule. “Wedge-lovers, we heard you — and we agree it’s been five long years without wedges. But the wait is over,” Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC U.S., said in a statement. She called the relaunch part of a “Kentucky Fried Comeback” aimed at rebuilding loyalty through customer-driven menu changes and updating the KFC menu 2025 with fan favorites.
Potato Wedges, introduced in the mid-1990s, gained a following for their thick cut and soft interior, offering a chunkier alternative to fries. They were replaced by thinner “Secret Recipe Fries” as the chain sought to streamline kitchen operations and speed service. An online petition calling for their return drew more than 8,000 signatures, and social media posts kept the campaign visible well after the menu change.
KFC wings and wedges combo promotions will anchor the rollout, pairing both returning items in a single order. Other offers include a $20 “Fan Favorites” box and $3.99 chicken sandwiches starting Aug. 18.
Competitive Pressures
The move mirrors a broader trend in quick-service restaurants, where chains cycle popular past items to boost visits and generate media coverage. McDonald’s has revived the McRib and Spicy McNuggets; Taco Bell has reintroduced Mexican Pizza and Nacho Fries.
“Limited-time comebacks serve two purposes — they re-engage lapsed customers and give loyal ones a reason to visit more often,” said Sara Barnes, a senior restaurant analyst at Foodservice Intel. “It’s a textbook case of fast food nostalgia marketing, and it’s far less risky than launching an entirely new menu item.”
In the U.S., KFC has faced intensifying competition in the fried chicken segment from Popeyes, Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s. While the chain remains a top global brand, its U.S. store count has been flat in recent years, and it has leaned on promotions, value meals and product innovation to sustain traffic.
Timeline of a Return
KFC removed Potato Wedges from its menu in June 2020, part of a pandemic-era simplification that also cut several other items. That July, petitions began circulating online. In January 2025, KFC quietly reintroduced wedges in select Tampa-area restaurants for a two-week test, selling out in multiple locations before the trial period ended.
A spokesperson at the time said broader rollout plans would depend on test results and franchisee feedback. Less than five months later, the company confirmed the national launch, framing it as a headline addition to its KFC limited time menu.
Operational Impact
Reintroducing wedges means reconfiguring prep stations and fryer space in some locations, according to franchisees. The thicker potato cut requires different cooking times and oil management than fries, which could marginally affect service speed. Wings, meanwhile, add demand for chicken parts already under cost pressure in some regions.
“We’ve been assured supply won’t be an issue, but it’s a balancing act when you introduce two labor-intensive products at once,” said one Midwest franchise owner.
Global Menu Variations
In several international markets, KFC potato wedges never left the menu. KFC Canada, for example, continued to offer wedges alongside fries, while KFC Australia sells “Potato & Gravy” as a core side. Hot & Spicy Wings are also standard in parts of Asia and the Middle East, where spicier profiles dominate local preferences.
The U.S. reintroduction aligns with Yum! Brands’ strategy of adapting successful regional items for broader appeal, especially in markets where consumer demand has been sustained over years.
Risks and Expectations
Nationwide demand could strain supply chains for potatoes and chicken, particularly during the back-to-school and early football season promotions. Pricing will be set locally, leaving franchisees to balance value perceptions against cost pressures.
KFC has not disclosed sales targets for the promotion, but analysts will be watching whether it lifts same-store sales and average ticket size. “If they can sustain traffic lift beyond the initial buzz, it bodes well for bringing back other discontinued products,” said Barnes.
Looking Ahead
Both wedges and wings are available only while supplies last, with no announced end date. The run coincides with KFC August promotions 2025, giving the company flexibility to extend or cut short based on performance. For consumers, the window is limited; for KFC, it’s a test of whether nostalgia can translate into a lasting menu presence — and whether KFC potato wedges can reclaim their place as a core side.
